Dorset ICB position statement for follow-up care after privately funded bariatric (weight loss) surgery in the UK or abroad

Treatments for obesity may include increased physical activity, healthier eating, weight-loss medications and for some people, bariatric (weight loss) surgery. All these approaches often require long-term follow-up care and lifestyle support to help people stay well and avoid complications.

Bariatric surgery is a major operation and is only offered when other weight loss methods have not worked, including a full assessment by a specialist obesity team. The surgery is just one part of a long treatment journey. Patients must commit to ongoing care, including:

  • Recovery and medical follow-up

  • Long-term changes to eating habits

  • Regular health checks

  • Nutritional supplements

  • Psychological and physical activity support

National guidance is clear that the same specialist team should provide both pre-operative assessment and post-operative care for at least two years following surgery.

Important information for patients considering private surgery

Some people choose to pay for bariatric surgery privately in the UK or abroad. If you are thinking about private treatment, Dorset ICB strongly advises that you:

  • Carefully read information from the NHS and Government websites about the risks and responsibilities involved

  • Discuss your plans with your GP before making any decisions

  • Understand that you must arrange and fund at least two years of private specialist follow-up care after surgery

  • Be aware that GP practices in Dorset cannot provide or arrange this specialist follow-up during the two years after surgery, whether your operation was done privately or through the NHS

What you need to know about follow-up care

  • Follow-up care is not just important, it is essential to avoid problems like weight regain, nutritional deficiencies and serious health risks

  • Your follow-up care must include regular appointments with specialist teams to check your physical and mental health, monitor your nutrition, support your recovery and long-term lifestyle changes

  • NICE recommends a specialist MDT follow up for two years after bariatric surgery. If you have the surgery as a private patient, the follow-up would not be provided on the NHS as private and NHS care cannot be mixed for the same episode of care

  • The NHS will always provide emergency care, but routine pre-and post-operative care must be included in your private surgery package

  • Once your two-year period of private follow-up has ended, you will be able to access the same ongoing NHS support as any other patient who has had bariatric surgery, which is usually through your GP

Dorset ICB policy on NHS and private bariatric surgery

Dorset ICB follows national guidance and policy. This means:

  • Pre-and post-operative care is treated as one complete package, not separate elements

  • The NHS does not routinely fund post-operative care for people who choose to have their surgery privately, including overseas

  • Patients must plan ahead and budget for the full cost of their treatment, including all follow-up care

We understand that decisions about weight loss surgery are deeply personal and can have life-changing impacts. Dorset ICB is committed to supporting safe, effective care and that includes ensuring patients are fully informed about the responsibilities that come with private surgery.

If you are thinking about private bariatric surgery, please talk to your GP in the first instance.

References

NHS Dorset recognises that some patients may present exceptional circumstances, which will be considered on an individual basis.